A molecule of fulvalene diruthenium, which changes its configuration when it absorbs heat, and later releases heat when it snaps back to its original shape (Image: Jeffrey Grossman)

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In figuring out how a molecule called fulvalene diruthenium works to store and release heat, researchers at MIT may have paved the way for a rechargeable battery that stores heat instead of electricity. Although the molecule was discovered in 1996, ruthenium’s rarity and cost has ruled out it’s widespread use but the researchers say understanding the fundamental mechanism of how the molecule works should make it possible to find similar chemicals based on more abundant, less expensive materials.